Epilogue
Standing here at the altar, with all my friends and family beside me, as I wait for the love of my life to join me, is one of the best feelings in the world. It may have been more than thirty years in the making, but today, Faye officially becomes my wife.
Knowing Jax and Finn would be busy with their families today, Ryker, the only member of Ruby Frax who isn’t part of my immediate family, volunteered to play his guitar for the prelude of our ceremony.
As his upbeat melody mixes with the wind on the beach, I anxiously wait for my bride to make her entrance.
“You doin’ okay over there, Lancaster?” Enzo, my best man, quietly asks, nudging my shoulder. “Remember to unlock your knees, or I’m gonna end up having to save your ass.”
Shifting my weight, I grin at his attempt at humor. “I’m good, Harps.” After thirty years in the Air Force, he knows damn well I could stand at attention until the cows come home without my knees locking.
Enzo Harper never in a million years thought that being my best man would be the way he returned the favor owed to me.
You should’ve seen the expression on his face the day I went to collect—it was priceless.
I know he would have done it regardless, but I’m sure I’ll never hear the end of it either.
He never thought that I, Mark Lancaster, the eternal bachelor, had finally fallen head-over-heels in love.
He graciously accepted two weeks ago and couldn’t wait to see the woman who had brought me to my knees.
I’m thrilled he and Samantha, as well as their two younger children, could take time out of their busy schedules to be a part of our wedding. Last night at the rehearsal dinner, Faye and his wife, Sam, got along well. I can tell they’re on the fast track to being close friends.
An excited energy courses through me as Faye’s brother escorts his mother to her seat. Once everyone is settled, Ryker takes his cue and changes the tune to “Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major.”
Slowly, Faye’s sister, Carolyn, walks down the short aisle between the white chairs we’ve set out on the beach. My heart races when the song gets louder, and the notes shift to signal Faye’s arrival.
She’s remained hidden behind the tiny dunes between the house and where we’re getting married. My breath catches when she finally comes into view. Not only do her eyes shine with love I can feel deep in my soul, but her smile radiates and fills me with a need I can barely contain.
My body itches to close the distance between us, and I almost say fuck it and go to her, but Enzo taps my arm and whispers, “Easy now. Let her have her moment to shine.”
That’s all it takes to keep me rooted in place.
I marvel at her beauty as she makes her way to me.
From the way her hair is contained in a whimsical updo, to the fitted bodice with the most intricate lace that drops to a shimmery full-length A-line skirt that billows in the wind as she walks, Faye is utter perfection.
When Faye stops before me, and the officiant finally starts the ceremony, my mind is entirely lost on her. As I marvel in her beauty, I’m vaguely aware of her dad giving his blessing and taking his seat.
The moment Faye reaches for me and clasps her hands in mine, all is right in my world.
Thankfully, Faye and I agreed to keep our ceremony short.
If I were given a quiz on what was said specifically, I’d fail miserably.
But I can tell you the exact color of her eyes in this light, the number of strands in her beautiful blonde hair that lose their fight to the wind, and the way Faye’s laugh lines form a second before her lips turn into the most breathtaking smile.
When it comes time for the vows, I force myself to focus.
Squeezing her hand, I clear my throat and project so everyone can hear. “Faye, I’m not sure I remember the exact day we became friends, but I’m certain I can tell you the exact moment I considered you as more.”
The small crowd gathered roars in laughter, so I’m forced to wait for them to settle before continuing.
“It was the summer between our sophomore and junior year. We were connected at the hip most days, and you went from being my best friend to being the only woman in the world for me. I distinctly remember thinking as I looked into your gorgeous blue eyes as we sat here on this very beach, Holy shit. I love this girl .”
This earns more laughter from our friends and family.
“Mark.” She shakes her head and bats at my shoulder.
“You were smart, funny, and the most beautiful woman in the world. You pushed me and challenged me to become the man I am today… Even if it meant taking a thirty-year pause,” I add in for good measure.
“Now that I’m back, you won’t be able to shake me so easily, sweetheart.”
Her beautiful laugh fills the space between us.
When she settles, I go in for the kill.
“Faye, I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for the rest of my life. I guarantee there will be times that I’m stubborn, tenacious … and let’s face it… just an outright idiot.”
My family laughs, but I keep pushing through.
“We may not always see eye to eye, but I vow, right here in front of… well, everyone… the decisions I make will be with both of our interests in mind. I promise to show up, support you, and be there for you in ways no man ever has. Your heart is precious, and I promise to treat it with kindness, respect, and most of all… love.”
The officiant says something to Faye, but my only concern is her words to me.
“Mark… You have always been a force to be reckoned with. You’re strong, loyal, and you love with your whole heart. You see things from perspectives I may not… But that doesn’t mean you don’t share the same goals.”
Taking a breath, she pushes some loose hair from her face before continuing. “I fell in love with you long before I ever admitted it. For as long as I can remember, you were the standard I held all others to. Fortunately for you,” she says pointedly, “no other measured up.”
The crowd erupts with laughter, knowing damn well she’s made a good point.
“Thank God for that,” someone in the audience hollers, but I don’t care to know who. The second Faye squeezes my hand, my entire focus returns to her.
Tears prick my eyes when her sincerity rings through. “Mark, I promise to love, honor, and cherish you. I promise to make goals with you and share my life with you. Most of all, I promise to never stop loving you the way you deserve.”
The next few minutes are a blur of exchanging our rings.
Finally, the most important phrase is uttered, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Mark, you may kiss your bride!”
I don’t hesitate.
Cupping my hand to her cheek, I lean in and kiss her.
The moment our lips touch, her fist clenches my shirt, and she pulls me closer.
Her lips part with ease, and it takes everything in me not to completely lose myself in us. When the thunderous applause erupts, hoots, hollers, and loud, boisterous whistles join in.
Eventually, we take the hint and break apart.
As my eyes lock on hers, I run my thumb along her lower lip as I whisper, “I’m not even close to being done with you, sweetheart.” Then I tilt my head in the direction of our audience. “I do believe we have a reception to attend.”
The heat in her eyes makes sparks flash up my spine.
With a playful grin, she says, “What do ya say, Landcaster? You ready to show me a good time on that dance floor those boys built?”
“Sweetheart, I’m always up for a good time. But you should know, I’m here for a long time. I want forever with you, Faye.”
Taking her hand in mine, I lead her down the aisle.
As each of our friends and family shouts well-wishes as we pass, a thought hits me right in the chest. Looking around at everyone who came to celebrate this occasion with us, it’s hard to imagine what we’ve been through to get here.
For two people who couldn’t wait to leave this town all those years ago, I’m certainly glad we both came back to call Seaside our home. I can’t imagine my life without my family, and most importantly, my beautiful wife, Faye.
THE END
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading Mark and Faye’s story in The Summer I Found Home.